In addition to considering the environmental impact of purchasing decisions, we look for ways to use our purchasing power to support environmental enterprises such as Natural Cycle Courier and Enviro-Safe Cleaning Worker Co-operative.

Natural Cycle Courier picks up and delivers

Every business day, ACU needs to get documents to members, other companies and between branches.

Mindful of wanting to reduce our impact on the environment, we contracted Natural Cycle Courier to pick up and deliver hundreds of envelopes and small packages around downtown Winnipeg by bicycle – the carbon free alternative to gas-powered vehicles.

Natural Cycle is a worker-owned co-operative run by a team of young men and women in Winnipeg. It has both a business and an environmental mission so when ACU supports them, we’re helping a co-operative enterprise that benefits the local economy and the environment.

Recently, we awarded the Rivergrove branch cleaning contract to the Enviro-Safe Cleaning Worker Co-operative.

The Winnipeg-based company uses no harsh chemicals, aerosols or any other product that could harm humans or the environment. It’s another example of making purchasing decisions that support our vision and values – and those who share them.

Enviro-Safe’s Musaghi Kizikilwa, Patrick Mutumbi and their partners immigrated to Canada from the Democratic Republic of Congo and landed jobs as hotel maids, security guards or homecare workers. The pay was often poor and the hours inconsistent.

It was very hard to try to make enough to work and take care of my kids. I would move from job to job — for better hours — more reliable hours,” Musaghi says.

A conversation about common concerns at a community gathering led to a vision to change the way they worked. With help from SEED Winnipeg’s Build-a-Business Program, the partners developed a business plan and launched their co-operative cleaning service. ACU was one of their first clients.

“We were so happy to hear the news from ACU that they would work with us. It’s nice to work with an organization that is so respected,” Musaghi says.